1. Atrévete-te-te - Calle 13
I heard this song playing on low volume from Elvira's phone during our first breakfast in Lima while she explained her credentials as an expert in Spanish-language rap music. I've loved this song since I discovered it in an "old-school" reggaeton playlist several years ago, and it's been one of my favorite party songs since then due to its idiosyncratic beat and playful lyrics. From the song's opening clarinet solo, you'll realize this isn't your average reggaeton cut, and rapper Residente creates a carefree rap song that doesn't rely on the machismo tropes that dominated the reggaeton scene in the early 2000's (when this song was released). In the lyric "Salte del closet, escápate, quítate el esmalte", the dialogue about releasing your inhibitions and remaining open to new possibilities was perfect advice for my first trip outside of the U.S., and this song set the stage for a lively week in Lima. If Elvira ever decides to teach a course on Latin-American rap music, I'll be the first in line!
2. Oye Mi Cumbia - Grupo Fantasma
Although this song emanates Mexican culture in nearly every aspect of its beat and instrumentation, it relates to the omnipresence of Cumbia rhythms in the soundscape of Peru. Played in restaurants, storefronts, and nightclubs alike, the Cumbia beat is inescapable during a trip to Peru, and this song presents a maximalist take on this popular musical style. Starting with a driving horn section, this song perfectly mixes modern instrumentation (including electric guitar and a traditional drumkit) with the traditional percussion of Mexican Cumbia. Its lyrics are simple but effective - Grupo Fantasma want you to hear their Cumbia and start running to the dance floor. With so many nightclubs in Peru playing Cumbia more than modern reggaeton, this song would be one of my recommendations for Americans thinking of visiting Peru who may want more exposure to the genre.
3. LA PRESA - NATHY PELUSO
Nathy has been one of the most versatile and underrated artists in modern Latin music, and she released her new album "GRASA" during our stay in Cusco. On this album, Nathy includes songs ranging from hard-hitting rap anthems (APRENDER A AMAR) to delicate indie ballads (EL DÍA QUE PERDÍ MI JUVENTUD), but LA PRESA stands out for Nathy's vocal talent and originality with an infectious salsa groove suited for the 21st century. In the lyrics, Nathy delves into a murder investigation where she's accused of killing her ex-lover, and she explains that he died because she took her love away. Its seductive vocal performance and compelling storytelling set LA PRESA apart other modern salsa songs, and I would encourage anyone to look back into the other amazing salsa songs in Nathy's discography (incl. VENENO). This song represents the variety and ingenuity of South American artists in 2024 (Peluso is from Argentina), and this song marks one of my favorite releases of the year so far.
4. Guasa, Guasa - Tego Calderón
If there was a bible of reggaeton music, Tego Calderón's 2003 album "El Abayarde" would be enshrined in Genesis 1:1. This groundbreaking album modernized the genre and popularized reggaton music in the mainland U.S. before Daddy Yankee was widely known outside Puerto Rico. His bombastic lyrical style, infectious rhythms, and use of traditional Puerto Rican instrumentation make "Guasa, Guasa" a classic modern reggaeton cut that laid the foundation for the genre's worldwide success in the years following this release. Guasa translates to "moron" in Puerto Rican slang, and with the lyric "Tú no me alcanza', confórmate con la chanza", Tego distances himself from the average reggaetoneros of his time to proclaim his greatness on a worldwide stage. When I first met Joaquín, my friend from Lima who showed me around Barranco and Parque Kennedy during my trip to Lima, this song bonded us together over a shared love of classic reggaeton and Calderón's distinct musical style. My enduring friendship with Joaquín showcases how a once-obscure genre of music from Puerto Rico can connect people from around the Americas, and can be enjoyed across international boundaries.
Not talked about in detail, but still worth listening to:
Si te contará - Ruben Gonzalez
Vete y Pregona - Justo Betancourt
Nuevo - Lunay and YOVNGCHIMI
Candy - Plan B
¿Cómo Así? - Kali Uchis
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